Mahmoud 'Shikabala' Abdel-Razeq needs another three weeks to make his first-team bow for Sporting Lisbon, manager Leonardo Jardim said.

Jardim told a pre-match press conference Friday that winter-signing Shikabala, who has been out of action for two weeks, still lacks match fitness after recently recovering from an ankle injury.

"As already stated, Shikabala would need three weeks to play first-team football," Jardim said ahead of Sunday's league game with Vitoria Setubal.

"During that period, he will be taking part in games with the B team to try to gain match fitness."

Shikabala, who dramatically sealed his Sporting switch in the final moments of the January transfer window, had sustained his injury in a game with Sporting reserves last month.

The 28-year-old managed to make an impact, though, in his first taste of action, winning a penalty for his side despite playing for no more than 28 minutes before hobbling off pitch.

Should Shikabala feature on time, the midfield marvel would likely play against Vitória Guimarães in the league by the end of this month.

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